Dave Ogilvie
Donald Young School in Emo will be hosting a “Family Literacy Day” next Thursday (Jan. 27).
Family members are invited to a lunch of wild rice soup and bannock, which will be served at noon in the school gym.
Then after lunch, parents are encouraged to stay to share a book with their child(ren).
“Family Literacy Day,” created in 1999 by ABC CANADA Literacy Foundation and Honda Canada, takes place each January to encourage families to read and learn together.
There are many ways to strengthen the literacy skills of children. Playing a game, following a recipe, or even singing a song, as well as reading and writing, all will help prepare kids for the challenges of life.
Throughout the day next Thursday, students and their parents will get a chance to experience many of these literacy activities.
More information concerning these activities, as well as the history of “Family Literacy Day,” can be found on the ABC Life Literacy Canada website at www.abc-canada
Also on hand at DYS next Thursday will be Mary Casanova of Ranier, Mn., an award-winning children’s author of novels and picture books.
Many of her books are based on her life and experiences along the Minnesota/Ontario border.
She also has travelled to places like France, Norway, and Belize in order to research information for her books.
Casanova will spend time with the students from JK-Grade 8, introducing them to her love of literacy by reading from her books and sharing her experiences.
There also will be a display of Casanova’s novels and picture books for parents and students to purchase.
Everyone is invited to meet this award-winning author during lunch to talk to her about her writing and to have a book signed.
In related news, as a fundraiser, DYS will be selling tickets for a handmade quilt (first prize), a set of pillows (second prize), and a wall hanging (third prize).
The blocks were made by students last March.
A picture of the quilt, machine-quilted by Kami Leatherdale, can be seen on the DYS website.
All proceeds will go towards subsidizing student activities, such as curling, field trips, and swimming.
As the ABC Life Literacy website states: “Literacy touches virtually every aspect of our lives.
“Strong literacy skills are linked to work achievement, positive parenting, personal growth, and health and self-esteem.”
